Small States and the female labour market : focus on Malta

Abstract

Malta is the smallest state in the European Union (EU). It stands out as the EU state with the lowest rate of female participation in the labour force. Labour market studies generally focus on the reasons for this low participation; some refer to traditional and cultural factors, while others blame inadequate policies on issues such as flexi/reduced hours, childcare centres, tax rates and other family friendly measures (ILO, 2009; Baldacchino, 2003). Yet other studies relate this low rate to the lack of available jobs and poor wages, which are not enough to entice women to leave the comfort of their daily routine to be 'condemned' to follow rules and do menial jobs under supervision. Low participation rates are more likely to be found among the less educated segments of the female population.